Assessment of Physicochemical parameters and Water Quality Index of Vishwamitri River, Gujarat, India

International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB) Vol-2, Issue-4, July-Aug- 2017
http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/2.4.8 ISSN: 2456-1878
www.ijeab.com Page | 1505
Assessment of Physicochemical parameters and
Water Quality Index of Vishwamitri River,
Gujarat, India
Akshata Magadum1
, Tejas Patel1
, Deepa Gavali2
Gujarat Ecology Society, 3rd
Floor, Synergy House, Subhanpura, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Abstract— Development and industrialisation exert
pressure on the riverine system deteriorating the serenity
of the rivers. The present study was carried out in Small
River flowing through Vadodara city viz., Vishwamitri
River. The study revealed better water quality before its
entry into the urban area. Despite of presence of STPs,
there is poor water quality affecting the aquatic life and
ecology. The paper throws light on pollution aspect and
need to develop decentralised treatment system to tackle
the river pollution problem.
Keywords- BOD, COD, DO, Vishwamitri River, Water
Quality Index.
I. INTRODUCTION
The rivers are the important sources of surface water and
India is a blessed country and rightly referred to as Land
of Rivers” because of numerous rivers and lakes
crisscrossing the terrain and landscape. Apart from source
of fresh water, rivers play major role in assimilation or
transportation of municipal and industrial waste water.
Riverine sediments play an important role as pollutant
accumulator and often reflect the history of the river
pollution (Jain, 2004). Sediments act as both carriers and
sinks for contaminants in aquatic environments (Mishra
and Dinesh 1991). Studies have shown that domestic and
industrial sewage, agricultural wastes have polluted
almost all of Indian rivers (Pani 1986). Most of these
rivers have turned into sewage carrying drains. This poses
a serious health problem to millions of people who
continue to depend on this polluted water from the rivers.
Major rivers present in Gujarat includes Sabaramti,
Naramada, Mahi, Tapti and Purna. Apart from these there
are small rivers running across the landscape. Most of
these rivers receive industrial and domestic sewage before
draining into the sea. However, monitoring of river
pollution is done in the major rivers and smaller rivers are
not monitored. Rivers like Sabarmati, Vishwamitri, Tapi
and Aji rivers are loaded with tons of industrial pollution,
sewage and garbage every day. The paper deals with one
such river Vishwamitri river passing through Vadodara
city. Rivers Present study deals with the aim to evaluate
the key stresses responsible for deteriorating the water
quality and to undertake the comparative study of
upstream and downstream of river.
The present paper uses the WQI index to express the
quality of water and is the major indices used to assess the
pollution and one of the effective ways to create
awareness among the public. Quality of water is defined
in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological
parameters (Almeida, 2007). Water quality index allows
for a general analysis of water quality on many levels
that affect a stream’s ability to host life and whether the
overall quality of water bodies poses a potential threat to
various uses of water (Akkaraboyina and Raju 2012).
II. STUDY AREA
The Vishwamitri River is a seasonal river, which flows
east to west between the Mahi and Narmada rivers in
Gujarat, India. It originates in the hills of Pavagadh and
flows west through the city of Vadodara and joins with
the Dhadhar River and Khanpur River and empties into
the Gulf of Khambat, near Khanpur village. A total of ten
stations is selected , out of which station 1 to 6 represent
outside the City limits and categoriesd as upstream
whereas station 7 to 10 represents the location within the
city.

Fig.1: Sampling points of study area
III. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
The study is carried out between Decembers to March
2017. The physical parameters like temperature, pH, and
conductivity is measured directly in the field using
respective instruments. Dissolved oxygen was fixed in the
field and around 2 litres of water collected for further
analysis. A standard method was adopted for the water
quality assessment (APHA). Chemical Oxygen Demand
was estimated by Open Reflux method. Nitrite (NO2-N)
was determined by Colorimetric method and Nitrates was
estimated by Cadmium reduction method. Total
phosphate is estimated by Ascorbic acid method. Silicate
was estimated by Colorimetric method. Turbid metric
method was used for the estimation of Sulphates.
Statistical analysis carried out using the Statistical
package SPSS (Version 20) and PAST (Version 7).
In this study the WQI was calculated by using the
standards of drinking water quality recommended by BIS
(1993) and ICMR (1975). The weighted arithmetic index
method has been used for the calculation of WQI. Total
10 parameters (pH, Conductivity, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD,
Hardness, Nitrate, Flouride and Sulphate) were selected
for calculating the WQI.
Further quality rating or sub index (qn) was calculated
using the following expression-
Qn = 100 x [Vn-Vo] / [Sn-Vo]
Where, qn = Quality rating for the nth water quality
parameter.
Vn = Estimated value of the nth
parameter at a given
sampling station.
Sn = Standard permissible value of the nth parameter.
Vo = Ideal value of nth parameter in a pure water.
Unit weight was calculated by a value inversely
proportional to the recommended standard values
Sn of the corresponding parameters.
Wn = K/ Sn
Where, Wn = Unit weight for the nth parameter.
Sn = Standard value for nth parameter.
K = Constant for proportionality
The overall Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated by
aggregating the quality rating with the unit weight
linearly.
WQI = Σqn Wn ⁄ ΣWn
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Water temperature ranged from 190
C to 240
C. The water
temperature is in accordance with the winter season, when
the sampling is done.
The pH values in present study ranged from 6.8 (Station
3) to 8.3 (station 8). Similar pH range was reported in
previous study (Deshkar et al., 2014). Thus, there is no
change in the pH level of the water.
Conductivity showed positive correlation with TDS, TSS,
BOD, Total phosphate and Sulphate (significant at 0.01
level), as conductivity is the sum of anions, cations,
dissolved ions, sulphates, carbonates, bicarbonates,
chlorides and others. The hierarchical cluster analysis
carried out for Conductivity (Fig.2) for different stations
reflected two major clusters. Cluster A included Stations
1 to 7 with low conductivity values (290 to 660 µs) and
cluster B with station 8, 9 and 10 showed higher
conductivity (800 to 1340 µs). This shows that there is

deterioration of water downstream of the river after it
enters the city limits. The addition of industrial effluents
and other domestic discharges has contributed to presence
of higher ions (Nair et.al 1989 and Sugunan, 1989).
The chloride concentration in the present study increases
as one moves downstream from station 3 (20.99 mg/l) to
station 10 (109.96 mg/l). The presence of higher chlorides
in the residential and commercial area of the river is
reported (Hunt et al., 2012). Further, the relatively high
concentration of Total nitrogen, Phosphates and Total
phosphorus ions affect the conductivity which in turn
influence the concentration of chlorinity.
The Total dissolved solid (TDS) varied from 290 mg/L
(Station 3) to 810 mg/L (station 9) and the concentrations
are within the prescribed limits of CPCB (1500 mg/l).
The discharge from nearby areas at station 8 and 9 has
contributed to higher TDS. At upstream stations there is
less human influence into the river and water is
comparatively clean compared to downstream stations.
The chlrodies has also contributed to the TDS levels
(Taylor, 1984).
Total suspended solid (TSS) of water depend on
suspended particle of soil, silt and is directly related to the
turbidity of water. The highest TSS value was recorded at
station 9 (410 mg/L) and low recorded at station 3 (110
mg/l). The present result was higher compared to the
previous study in the same river (Deshkar et al., 2014).
The increased TSS values over the time period shows
increase in discharge of untreated sewage into the river.
The Total hardness ranged between 104 mg/L (station 2)
to 280 mg/L (station 8). The values increased from
upstream to downstream. The higher values at the
downstream stations may be due to the discharge of
untreated sewage and effluents. Similar values were
observed in Parna River (Pandey et.al, 2000).
The Dissolved oxygen (DO) showed marked difference in
the riverine stretch. In the upstream stations DO ranged
from 6.0 mg/l (station 1 and 3) to 11.3 mg/l (station 5).
On the other hand DO was absent in the stations 6 to 10.
The low concentration of DO in the fresh water aquatic
system indicates presence of high organic load (Yayyntas
et al., 2007). The direct discharge of untreated sewage
into the river has lead to anaerobic conditions. In the
present study the cluster analysis has shown three clusters
A, B and C. Cluster A includes the stations 1, 3, 4 and 6,
while Cluster B includes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and cluster C
includes station 3 and 5. Incidentally cluster C is distantly
related with cluster A and B by more than 75%. At these
stations there is presence of higher DO, which is
attributed to photosynthetic activity of the aquatic
vegetation that release oxygen. The minimum of 3 mg/L
dissolved oxygen is necessary for healthy fish and other
aquatic life (Clair. et al., 2003). Thus, the water quality
within the city limits is not suitable for aquatic life.
In the present study the concentrations of Biological
oxygen demand (BOD) ranged from 3 mg/L (Station 1) to
92 mg/L (Station 10). Station 10 being the last station
sampled showed the presence of high organic load
because of cumulative effect. The untreated sewage
disposal into the river may lead to the bacterial growth
and consume the dissolved oxygen in the river resulting in
oxygen depleted zone (Kulshrestha and Sharma, 2006;
Kumar and Chopra, 2012).
The negative correlation observed between DO and BOD,
both are inversely related as higher BOD represents
oxygen depletion zone and demand represents more
oxygen to degrade the organic pollutants present in the
system. Chemical oxygen demand showed high
significant positive relations with BOD, Nutrients and
TDS but negative relation with DO. This indicates
presence of industrial discharges that have influenced the
water quality.
Fig.2: Euclidian cluster analysis of conductivity
Fig.3: Euclidian cluster analysis of DO

Fig.4: Euclidian cluster analysis of BOD
Fig.5: Euclidian cluster analysis of COD
The values of Chemical oxygen demand (COD) ranged
from 40 mg/L (station 3) to 520 mg/L (station 7). The
higher COD value was recorded at downstream stations
because of direct discharge of industrial effluents and
improper functioning of STPs. Further, the values of
COD at downstream stations were above the permissible
limits prescribed by CPCB (250 mg/L). The figure 5
cluster analysis depicts two clusters A and B; Cluster A
includes stations 1 to 6 with similar water quality, while
cluster B includes 7 to 10. The COD values were noted
higher compared to the earlier study (Deshkar et al.,
2014) indicative of increase in pollution load because of
expanding population.
The BOD to COD ratio differed in the riverine stretch.
The BOD: COD value was more than 0.5 indicative of
need for biological treatment of the water. On the other
hand the BOD: COD ration was 0.1 at station 7 and 8,
indicates presence of toxic waste and there is need for
tertiary treatment and stabilization. Thus, the water
quality of the river in the urban limits is highly polluted.
In the present study the Nitrate concentration ranged from
0.006 mg/L to 0.263mg/L. The maximum concentration
recorded at station 7 (0.263 mg/L) and minimum at
station 1(0.006 mg/L). The agricultural runoff, nitrate rich
fertilizers and animal faeces into the river may lead to the
higher values of nitrate (Tank et. al, 2013). The
concentrations are within the CPCB prescribed limits.
The values of Nitrite ranged from 0.013 mg/L (station 6)
to 0.291mg/L (station 7). The presence of low nitrite
value is indicative of conversion of nitrite to stable nitrate
by microbial activity. This conversion has exerted
pressure on the DO levels. Total nitrogen showed positive
correlation with Nitrates, Nitrites as these are related. The
increase in Total nitrogen value at downstream stations is
recorded because of discharges from industrial effluent.
The values of Total phosphate ranged from 0.060 mg/L
(station 2) to 0.800 mg/l (station 8). The major source of
phosphates is domestic sewage and hence the value
increases as one moves downstream of the riverine
stretch. The values of Sulphate was reported high at
station 10 (375 mg/L) and low at station 3 (135 mg/L).
Table.1: Results of water quality parameters
PARAMETER
S
CPCB
standard
s
UNIT
S
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10
pH 5.5-9.0 7.03 8.1 8.3 8.2 8.03 8.1 7.2 6.8 8.2 7.2
Temperature - ºC 20 24 22 23 20 23 20 23 20 24
Conductivity - µs 660 420 290 460 560 490 430 1340 800 1280
TDS 1500 mg/L 560 460 290 400 480 420 600 800 810 780
TSS 100 mg/L 240 148 110 158 168 138 248 340 410 345
DO 4 mg/L 6 9.3 6 5 11.3 3 0 0 0 0

BOD 30 mg/L 3 8 9 4 5 6 5.2 78 90 92
COD 250 mg/L 51 45 40 70 68 65 520 420 370 460
Chloride - mg/L 39.9 37.9 20.9 33.9 71.9 34.9 87.9 107.9 979
109.
9
Total hardness - mg/L 150 104 148 130 133 140 190 280 200 190
Calcium
hardness
- mg/L 110 76 91 100 72 80 108 100 124 104
Nitrate - mg/L
0.00
6
0.01
6
0.042
0.01
3
0.00
8
0.00
3
0.263 0.014 0.035
0.20
0
Nitrite 10 mg/L
0.03
4
0.02
1
0.057
0.01
6
0.03
5
0.01
3
0.291 0.023 0.02
0.09
6
Total nitrogen - mg/L 0.41
0.39
2
0.329 0.3
0.44
6
0.37
2
0.715 1.874 1.976
2.01
3
Total phosphate - mg/L
0.20
0
0.06
0
0.047
0
0.07
6
0.06
0
0.03
3
0.093 0.800 0.500
0.76
0
Sulphate 400 mg/L 142 172 135 175 216 204 191 265 314 375
WQI= ΣWnqn/ΣWn
68 75 99.1 88.5
116.
5
78
320.5
1
543.1
8
581.5
2
593.
4
Fig.6: Graph of WQI
As per the WQI rating, the upstream stations (1 to 6) are
categorized as C and D grade indicating that the water can
be used for irrigation. However, the downstream stations
are categorised as grade E indicative of presence of high
pollution load and the water cannot be used for any
purpose. Despite of presence of six STPs in Vadodara
city, there is inefficiency in the functioning of the STPs
leading to presence of high pollution in the river. The
river pollution is a foremost issue with not only major
river of India but also the minor rivers. As the
urbanisation increases the problem of pollution is bound
to increase and there is need to decentralise the sewage
collection. Perhaps new technology of treatment has to be
designed so as to reduce the pollution load of the rivers.
In coming years, this would be an important issue for
minor rivers as well.
V. CONCLUSION
From the present study it is concluded that the water
quality of Vishwamitri River showed good quality and
low pollution prior to its entry into the Vadodara city. The
discharge of untreated sewage and dumping of solid waste
in or on the bank of the river have contributed to poor
water quality in the downstream locations. There is
discrepancy in the functioning of the STPs and untreated
sewage finds its way into the river system disturbing the
ecology and aquatic life.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors are thankful to Gujarat Ecology Society for
providing the necessary facilities required to carry out the
present study.
68 75
99.1
88.5
116.5
78
320.51
543.18
581.52 593.4
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10
WQI

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Assessment of Physicochemical parameters and Water Quality Index of Vishwamitri River, Gujarat, India

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